Comments on: A hymn for overcoming the political-consumerist-entertainment complex

By: Scott Wells

Scott Wells — Thu, 31 May 2007 18:01:16 +0000

The site — revbilly.com — puts it into better context: not so much sarcasm as much as withering denunciation. Consumption — conspicuous, mindless and palliative — distracts contentious people from constructive pursuits and relationships.

Or to morph an older idiom: we must consume (some) to live, but not live to consume.

That said, I don’t think Rev. Billy is a particularly religious phenomenon — he is a character portrayed by a dedicated actor — but I think we’d agree that faithful people are drawn to and convinced by his message and tone.

By: Mark Logan

Mark Logan — Thu, 31 May 2007 18:01:03 +0000

I’m sorry. I’m understanding better now. I read too quickly… Thanks for sharing this. It’s why I stay with the Church for break-thrus like this.

By: Mark Logan

Mark Logan — Thu, 31 May 2007 17:53:07 +0000

I guess I’m not sure in what manner this was written. I can’t tell if this is sarcastic or what your position is on consumerism.

Please elaborate.

The Church, although its calling ought to be to move away from consumerism and materialism, does a poor job of translating that message to congregations. Buying things and investing in them so that they actually become you is most directly idolatry, and that message doesn’t seem to come across.